Don Roden and his brother-in-law down in Charlottesville are the owners behind a real, proper high street butcher in McLean, with another location in Charlotte, selling certified-organic and naturally-raised meats and poultry, butchered in the shop.

Having got out of the internet business in California, Roden and his brother-in-law returned to the area from different parts of the country at the same time. Both men were interested in food and had bought a stake in a restaurant in Middleburg which had an association with an organic farm nearby. "We wanted to figure out a way to utilize that farm. It was a good opportunity to bring meat to the market - first to the restaurant then to butcher shops." Roden learned his meat cutting skills with various butchers in Charlottesville, and on his own.

The Organic Butcher is signalled on Old Dominion Drive by a black and white striped awning. Inside the shop, presided over by Don and his staff Nick and Cheryl, you'll find  prime beef, aged and non-aged. The meat comes from Virginia farms like Canon Hill in Harrisonburg, Whitewood Farm in The Plains and Featherbed Angus Farm in Middleburg, and it's broken down on the spot.  "It's really hard to find whole tri-tips. He'll break one out for me," says veteran foodie and regular shopper, Zora Margolis. Just as uncommon is the wild boar strip. On the fowl front, Rosen keeps fresh duckling, Pekin Duck and mallard duck breasts. Looking for a chew for the dog? Rosen sells bones for Fido too.

There are proper English bangers, and Kielbasa and Bratwurst, as well as a counter selling sustainable seafood. U10 scallops are marinated in pesto, there's sushi-grade tuna, organic salmon and more.

While you're waiting to be served, check out the beers, like St Peter's Ale, and carefully chosen cookbooks like "Fat", "The Best Chicken Recipes" and "River Cottage Meat".

The Organic Butcher, 6712 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, 703 790 8300; 416 West Main St, Charlottesville, 434 244 7400.

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